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Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West

Eastbound - Vancouver | Kamloops | Lake Louise or Banff 
Westbound -  Lake Louise or Banff | Kamloops | Vancouver

Rocky Mountaineer’s most popular route — First Passage to the West — retraces the steps of the 19th century explorers who first marvelled at this untamed wilderness and gives a living history lesson on the building of a nation.

WESTBOUND

DAY 1  LAKE LOUISE or BANFF to KAMLOOPS

Travel on board the Rocky Mountaineer  to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. 
As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. 
Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. 
Overnight in Kamloops.

DAY 2 KAMLOOPS to VANCOUVER

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. 
Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. 
Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

First Passage to the West Highlights

  • Cisco Crossing
  • Black Canyon
  • Hoodoos
  • Craigellachie
  • Kinbasket Lake
  • Kicking Horse River
  • Spiral Tunnels
  • Castle Mountain

EASTBOUND


DAY 1 VANCOUVER to KAMLOOPS

Board Rocky Mountaineer in the urban oasis of Vancouver and journey through the farmlands of the Fraser Valley. From fertile greenery, the landscape transforms to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains. You’ll see the mighty Fraser River and the raging white waters of Hell’s Gate. The train will slow to fully appreciate this narrow canyon where the volume of water rushing through is about three times greater than Niagara Falls. Then, the landscape undergoes another transformation and you’ll find yourself amid scrub brush and desert. You will pull in to overnight at a hotel in the city of Kamloops.

DAY 2 KAMLOOPS to LAKE LOUISE or BANFF

Now your venture into the heart of the mountains begins in earnest. Continuing east along the South Thompson River, you’ll witness historic Craigellachie. This spot marks where the Last Spike was driven home on the Canadian Pacific Railway line, uniting the nation. You’ll marvel at man’s ingenuity as Rocky Mountaineer enters the Spiral Tunnels, bored through solid rock beneath a mountain over a century ago. You’ll gaze in wonder at cascading waterfalls and icy glaciers spilling over the lips of the peaks above, on your way to the charming alpine town of Banff and the brilliant waters of Lake Louise. All of this craggy wilderness is yours to embrace, from the comfort of your luxurious Rocky Mountaineer coach.

Around every bend awaits a moment that takes your breath away.

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GoldLeaf Service includes

  • Custom-designed bi-level dome lets you sit up top and dine below
  • Fully domed windows with panoramic views
  • Exclusive outdoor viewing platform
  • Pre-assigned seating in comfortable, reclining chairs
  • Gourmet a la carte meals served in private dining room
  • Complimentary gourmet snacks throughout the journey
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary throughout the journey

 

 

 

SilverLeaf Service includes

  • Custom-designed single-level glass-dome coach
  • Oversized dome windows
  • Delicious hot entrée options plated to your preference. Served seat side.
  • Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating  Attended by two hosts, plus one culinary team member
  • Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages Complimentary throughout journey
  • Gourmet Snacks Complimentary throughout journey
  • Outdoor viewing between coaches
  • Full storytelling by onboard hosts 

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